Panera Bread Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Panera Bread cooks with: Soybean oil (used in dressings, mayo-based spreads, bakery; disclosed in Panera allergen/ingredient PDFs). Across the 76 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.9g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
Safest Orders at Panera Bread
| Dark Roast Coffee | 0.0g PUFA |
| Iced Coffee | 0.0g PUFA |
| Charged Lemonade Mango Yuzu Citrus | 0.0g PUFA |
| Charged Lemonade Strawberry Lemon Mint | 0.0g PUFA |
| Peach Bellini Lemonade | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Panera Bread
| Tuna Salad Sandwich | 18.0g PUFA |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken | 16.0g PUFA |
| Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich | 15.0g PUFA |
| Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt | 15.0g PUFA |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken | 15.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Panera Bread use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Panera Bread cooks with: Soybean oil (used in dressings, mayo-based spreads, bakery; disclosed in Panera allergen/ingredient PDFs). Across the 76 menu items we analyzed, it averages 4.9g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of B (Medium Risk).
What oil does Panera Bread cook with?
Our research indicates: Soybean oil (used in dressings, mayo-based spreads, bakery; disclosed in Panera allergen/ingredient PDFs). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Panera Bread use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Panera Bread cooks with Soybean oil (used in dressings, mayo-based spreads, bakery; disclosed in Panera allergen/ingredient PDFs), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Panera Bread seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Panera Bread cooks with Soybean oil (used in dressings, mayo-based spreads, bakery; disclosed in Panera allergen/ingredient PDFs), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Panera Bread?
Dark Roast Coffee is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Panera Bread, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Panera Bread?
Tuna Salad Sandwich is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Panera Bread, at an estimated 18.0g PUFA. Fried items and creamy, mayo-based sauces are usually the heaviest.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and similar vegetable oils — are extracted from seeds using high heat and chemical solvents. They are very high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which are unstable at cooking temperatures and can oxidize easily. Many health-conscious eaters choose to minimize seed oils and prefer foods cooked in beef tallow, butter, coconut oil, or olive oil instead. This page shows estimated PUFA grams per menu item to help you make more informed choices. These are estimates — actual values vary by preparation and location. Curious why people avoid them? Read the evidence.
Compare other chains
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See where Panera Bread lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.